The Hebrew Prayer Project is a musical venture to bring new life to our beloved Hebrew prayers of old. In its entirety, the purpose of The Hebrew Prayer Project is to advance the art of written Hebrew prayer as well as its practice. Propelled by musical accompaniment, we endeavor to raise the level of artistic creativity, excellence, and beauty of Hebrew prayer to a new level, and expand its practice with greater accessibility. We want to open the door for congregants to encounter God in a way that is unique to written Hebrew prayers: as one, to be mindful of their words, and to hear the words God speaks in return.

“Aytz Chayim He” (meaning, “It Is A Tree Of Life,”) is the first completed project of the Hebrew Prayer Project. Expressive piano arrangements accompany the traditional Hebrew Prayers, which were carefully framed in meter to build a more rhythmic flow, while preserving the lyrical freedom that has characterized our prayers for centuries. Expressing these words to Adonai with the right musical accompaniment—bringing simplicity and uniformity to the melodies—raises congregational participation and meaningful experience.

The “Aytz Chayim He” album is a collection of the ten Hebrew prayers used in the Shabbat Torah service, containing two tracks for each Torah service prayer: one piano track and one piano and voice track. The piano and voice tracks are useful for learning the prayers, while the solo piano tracks can be used in service settings.

“Aytz Chayim He” will soon be followed with projects already underway to add accompaniments to the Erev and Yom Shabbat prayers, as well as the Amidah prayers. Our synagogue has sung the Torah service prayers with these accompaniments since 2006, and we continue to experience the presence of Adonai and hear from Him in new ways, as our melodies of praise and worship weave through the wonderful ceremony and celebration of reading the scriptures and blessing Him for His revelation.